Wound infections and recurrence in head and neck cancer

Recent publications in the general surgery literature have reported improved survival in abdominal cancer surgery in those in whom a postoperative wound infection develops. We reviewed our experience with 100 consecutive patients operated on for head and neck cancer. All patients had 5-year followup. The complete report covers site and stage. In summary, for all cancers of the larynx (N = 60), the recurrence rate was 45% for those in whom a wound infection developed and 26% for those in whom no such infection developed. For cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx (N = 40), the recurrence rate was 80% for those in whom wound infections developed and 51% for those who had no infections. Because of the small number of patients in whom recurrence developed, with or without infection, the relationship does not reach statistical significance. For head and neck cancer, unlike abdominal cancer, the development of a postoperative wound infection may have an adverse effect on survival rather than a salutory effect.